Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Houghton JT et a]. (eds.). 1996. Climate Change 1995: The Science of Climate Change. Cambridge University Press. pp xii + 572. ISBN 0 521 56436 0. £22.95. (also hardback 0 521 56433 6 @ £65.00).

Watson RT., Zinyowera MC. and Moss RH. 1996. Climate Change 1995: Impacts, Adaptations and Mitigation of Climate Change - Scientific-Technical Analysis. Cambridge University Press. pp 878. ISBN 0 521 56437 9. £24.95. (also hardback 0 521 56431 X @ £ 65.00)

Bruce JP., Lee H. and Haites EF. (eds.). 1996. Climate Change 1995: Economic and Social Dimensions of Climate Change. Cambridge University Press. pp x + 448. ISBN 0 521 56854 4. £19.95. (also hardback 0 521 56051 9 @ £55.00)

Here we have the three reports that completely update the information on climate change that was first published in 1990. Like the initial reports and the interim studies, these volumes represent the work of hundreds of climate scientists working to piece together the puzzle. All books keep to a similar format. A summary (nominally for policymakers but also very valuable for students) is followed by a longer technical summary. The body of the text repeats this theme only in far greater detail. Appendices cover technical detail such as contributors, acronyms, units etc. "Houghton's" text provides an overview of our knowledge and the way our understanding has changed in the past 5 years. The work starts with an overview of the climate system which is followed by discussions on radiative forcing, and observed climatic variability. 5 chapters examine various aspects of climate models. The final chapters examine terrestrial and marine responses to climate change finishing with a summary highlighting understanding on the subject. 'Watson's" book takes one of the key aspects - impacts and options - and subjects them to the same peer review/ overview system that characterises this work. Here, the 25 chapters are divided into 3 sections - introduction to general ecological and energy concepts; assessment of impacts and options and assessment of mitigation options. In addition to the usual appendices there are 3 chapters which provide technical details of methodology etc. 'Mruce's" text, dealing with the economic and social dimensions, makes the final part of the trilogy. After the usual summary and introduction this study concentrates on the issue of equity. Part economic, part ethical, this work examines the notions of inter-generational costs and benefits. Clearly, if we don't care what happens tomorrow then the costs are far lower than if we do. To what extent the costs are worth bearing for future generations is therefore a crucial issue. Tied in with the issue of cost are the policies needed to bring any action into being. Thus this volume is really a detailed analysis of the economics of climate change.

Clearly, these are key texts for people working at the highest level in the climate change field and as such much of the material can only be appreciated with considerable background knowledge. However, they also contain a great deal of useful material which could be adapted easily for school students. The lack of emotive language and the scientific candour of the reports makes the information useful (especially the excellent summaries) for those keen to get behind the public rhetoric.